1908 MARINE CORPS CUBAN PACIFICATION MEDAL
#559
1st Sergeant James Matthew Jeffers
United States Marine Corps 1st Sergeant James M. Jeffers (Service # 161498) was born Sept. 9th 1882 in Clinton, Ohio. Jeffers enlisted in the Marine Corps on December 16th 1907 at the Marine Barracks, Washington D.C.
Pvt. Jeffers arrived in Cuba on Jan. 3rd, records show him with L Company, 1st Provisional Regiment until 27 January 1909 in Lazas & Santo Domingo, Cuba. For this service Pvt. Jeffers was issued this Cuban Pacification Medal #559.
In late Jan. Jeffers left Cuba on the U.S.S. Prairie for the Marine Barracks, Boston, MA.
From April 1909 through Nov. 1909 Pvt. Jeffers was serving at the Naval Prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In Dec. 1909 through Sept. 1911 Pvt. Jeffers served on the U.S.S. New Hamshire.
Jan. 1911 through Jan. 1912 Pvt. Jeffers served at the Marine Barracks, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA. Pvt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps Jan. 8th 1912.
From July 1912 through April 1914 Pvt. Jeffers served with Company B, Second Regiment, Marine Barracks, Cavite, Philippines.
Pvt. Jeffers was serving aboard the U.S.S. Georgia & U.S.S. Galveston from April 1914 through June 1915.
In July 1915 through Dec. 1915 Pvt. Jeffers served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, U.S.S. Rhode Island, & U.S.S. San Diego. Records show him as a Marine Guard at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokohama Japan in Dec. 1915.
By Jan. 1916 Pvt. Jeffers was stationed back in the In the States At the Marine Corps Rifle Range, Winthrop, Maryland. Jeffers transferred back to Mare Island, CA. On March 27th 1916 Pvt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps at the Eastern Recruiting Division.
From April 1916 through May 1916 Pvt. Jeffers was with the 8th Company, Marine Barracks, Naval Station, New Orleans, LA.
June 1916 through April 1917 Pvt. Jeffers served with 8th Company, 4th Provisional Regiment, in San Felipe, Dominican Republic. In Jan. 1917 he was temporarily attached to the 50th Company, 3rd Provisional Regiment.
In May 1917 as the United States had recently entered World War I. Pvt Jeffers is recorded serving with 8th Company, 5th Regiment, U.S. Marines, Naval Yard, Philadelphia, PA. on his way to fight overseas.
Records show in June 1917 Jeffers was advanced to Corporal serving in 8th Company, 34th Batallion, 5th Marine Regiment in Nazaire, France.
Jeffers was advanced to Sergeant March 1918. He served with several units including 8th Machine Gun Company, 7th Company, 30th Company, & 2nd Division A.E.F. As World War I came to a close, Sergeant Jeffers was Stationed in Germany from Jan. 1919 through July 1919 with a Medical Unit Detached to 5th U.S. Marine A.E.F. Sgt. Jeffers was awarded the World War I Victory Medal with Maltese Cross and France Bar.
In Sept. 1919 Sergeant Jeffers was aboard the U.S.S. Pittsburg Marine Detachment.
March 31st 1920 Sgt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps & was stationed at the Marine Barracks in Quantico, VA.
From April 1920 through Sgt. Jeffers was station with Guard Co. 1 back at the Marine Barracks, Mare Island, CA.
In July 1920 through Oct. 1921 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed on the U.S.S. Albany
Jan. 1922 through Sept. 1923 Sgt Jeffers was stationed at the San Pedro Submarine Base, detached to the U.S.S. Denver, U.S.S. Alert, & the U.S.S. Ortolan.
From Oct. 1923 through May 1924 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed with 26th Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, Marine Barracks, San Diego, CA. On March 31, 1924 Sgt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps.
In July 1924 through June 1925 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed at the Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guam.
From Oct. 1925 through July 1926 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed back in Cavite, Philippines. He travel on the U.S.S. Chaumont back to the U.S. where he was attached to 27th Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment, San Diego, CA.
In April 1927 through Feb. 1928 Sgt. Jeffers was with the 29th Machine Gun & Howitzer Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, China Composite Expeditionary Force, Tientsin, China. Sgt. Jeffers was promoted to 1st Sergeant March 31st 1927.
1st Sgt. Jeffers was aboard the U.S.S. Henderson in March 1928 from China to U.S. Naval Yard, Marine Barracks, Mare Island, CA. 1st Sgt. Jeffers en-listed in the Marine Corps one last time April 3rd 1928.
1st Sgt. Jeffers was then stationed with Casual Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Reserve Regiment from June 1928 through June 1935 when 1st Sgt. Jeffers retired from the United States Marine Corps.
The 1st Sgt. Registered for the World War II draft at 59 years old in 1942 in Glendale, CA.
1st Sergeant Jeffers passed away June 7th 1943, he is buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetary, Los Angeles, CA, Plot 183, 17R.
Pvt. Jeffers arrived in Cuba on Jan. 3rd, records show him with L Company, 1st Provisional Regiment until 27 January 1909 in Lazas & Santo Domingo, Cuba. For this service Pvt. Jeffers was issued this Cuban Pacification Medal #559.
In late Jan. Jeffers left Cuba on the U.S.S. Prairie for the Marine Barracks, Boston, MA.
From April 1909 through Nov. 1909 Pvt. Jeffers was serving at the Naval Prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In Dec. 1909 through Sept. 1911 Pvt. Jeffers served on the U.S.S. New Hamshire.
Jan. 1911 through Jan. 1912 Pvt. Jeffers served at the Marine Barracks, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA. Pvt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps Jan. 8th 1912.
From July 1912 through April 1914 Pvt. Jeffers served with Company B, Second Regiment, Marine Barracks, Cavite, Philippines.
Pvt. Jeffers was serving aboard the U.S.S. Georgia & U.S.S. Galveston from April 1914 through June 1915.
In July 1915 through Dec. 1915 Pvt. Jeffers served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, U.S.S. Rhode Island, & U.S.S. San Diego. Records show him as a Marine Guard at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokohama Japan in Dec. 1915.
By Jan. 1916 Pvt. Jeffers was stationed back in the In the States At the Marine Corps Rifle Range, Winthrop, Maryland. Jeffers transferred back to Mare Island, CA. On March 27th 1916 Pvt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps at the Eastern Recruiting Division.
From April 1916 through May 1916 Pvt. Jeffers was with the 8th Company, Marine Barracks, Naval Station, New Orleans, LA.
June 1916 through April 1917 Pvt. Jeffers served with 8th Company, 4th Provisional Regiment, in San Felipe, Dominican Republic. In Jan. 1917 he was temporarily attached to the 50th Company, 3rd Provisional Regiment.
In May 1917 as the United States had recently entered World War I. Pvt Jeffers is recorded serving with 8th Company, 5th Regiment, U.S. Marines, Naval Yard, Philadelphia, PA. on his way to fight overseas.
Records show in June 1917 Jeffers was advanced to Corporal serving in 8th Company, 34th Batallion, 5th Marine Regiment in Nazaire, France.
Jeffers was advanced to Sergeant March 1918. He served with several units including 8th Machine Gun Company, 7th Company, 30th Company, & 2nd Division A.E.F. As World War I came to a close, Sergeant Jeffers was Stationed in Germany from Jan. 1919 through July 1919 with a Medical Unit Detached to 5th U.S. Marine A.E.F. Sgt. Jeffers was awarded the World War I Victory Medal with Maltese Cross and France Bar.
In Sept. 1919 Sergeant Jeffers was aboard the U.S.S. Pittsburg Marine Detachment.
March 31st 1920 Sgt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps & was stationed at the Marine Barracks in Quantico, VA.
From April 1920 through Sgt. Jeffers was station with Guard Co. 1 back at the Marine Barracks, Mare Island, CA.
In July 1920 through Oct. 1921 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed on the U.S.S. Albany
Jan. 1922 through Sept. 1923 Sgt Jeffers was stationed at the San Pedro Submarine Base, detached to the U.S.S. Denver, U.S.S. Alert, & the U.S.S. Ortolan.
From Oct. 1923 through May 1924 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed with 26th Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, Marine Barracks, San Diego, CA. On March 31, 1924 Sgt. Jeffers re-enlisted in the Marine Corps.
In July 1924 through June 1925 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed at the Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guam.
From Oct. 1925 through July 1926 Sgt. Jeffers was stationed back in Cavite, Philippines. He travel on the U.S.S. Chaumont back to the U.S. where he was attached to 27th Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment, San Diego, CA.
In April 1927 through Feb. 1928 Sgt. Jeffers was with the 29th Machine Gun & Howitzer Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, China Composite Expeditionary Force, Tientsin, China. Sgt. Jeffers was promoted to 1st Sergeant March 31st 1927.
1st Sgt. Jeffers was aboard the U.S.S. Henderson in March 1928 from China to U.S. Naval Yard, Marine Barracks, Mare Island, CA. 1st Sgt. Jeffers en-listed in the Marine Corps one last time April 3rd 1928.
1st Sgt. Jeffers was then stationed with Casual Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Reserve Regiment from June 1928 through June 1935 when 1st Sgt. Jeffers retired from the United States Marine Corps.
The 1st Sgt. Registered for the World War II draft at 59 years old in 1942 in Glendale, CA.
1st Sergeant Jeffers passed away June 7th 1943, he is buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetary, Los Angeles, CA, Plot 183, 17R.
New Hampshire (BB-25)
New Hampshire (BB-25) was the sixth and final Connecticut-class pre-dreadnought battleship, the last vessel of that type built for the United States Navy. Like most contemporary battleships, she was armed with an offensive armament that consisted of four large-caliber 12-inch (300 mm) guns and several medium-caliber 7 and 8-inch (178 and 203 mm) guns. The ship was laid down in May 1905, launched in June 1906, and commissioned in March 1908, a little over a year after the revolutionary all-big-gun HMS Dreadnought rendered ships like New Hampshireobsolescent.
Despite being rapidly surpassed by new American dreadnoughts, New Hampshire had an active career. She made two trips to Europe in 1910 and 1911, and she sank the old battleship USS Texas, which had been converted into a target ship. New Hampshire was particularly active in the Caribbean during this period, as several countries, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico devolved into internal political conflicts. These actions included the United States occupation of Veracruz, during which the ship's commander was awarded the Medal of Honor.
After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the ship was used primarily to train gunners and engine room personnel, as the US Navy had expanded significantly to combat the German U-boat campaign. She escorted convoys in late 1918, and after the war ended she took part in the effort to bring American soldiers back from France. New Hampshire remained in service for only a few years after the war, as the 1922 Washington Naval Treatysignificantly reduced the navies of the signatories; as a result, the ship was sold for scrap in November 1923.
Despite being rapidly surpassed by new American dreadnoughts, New Hampshire had an active career. She made two trips to Europe in 1910 and 1911, and she sank the old battleship USS Texas, which had been converted into a target ship. New Hampshire was particularly active in the Caribbean during this period, as several countries, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico devolved into internal political conflicts. These actions included the United States occupation of Veracruz, during which the ship's commander was awarded the Medal of Honor.
After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the ship was used primarily to train gunners and engine room personnel, as the US Navy had expanded significantly to combat the German U-boat campaign. She escorted convoys in late 1918, and after the war ended she took part in the effort to bring American soldiers back from France. New Hampshire remained in service for only a few years after the war, as the 1922 Washington Naval Treatysignificantly reduced the navies of the signatories; as a result, the ship was sold for scrap in November 1923.
USS Georgia (BB-15)
USS Georgia (BB-15) was a United States Navy Virginia-class battleship, the third of five ships of the class. She was built by the Bath Iron Works in Maine, with her keel laid in August 1901 and her launching in October 1904. The completed battleship was commissioned into the fleet in September 1906. The ship was armed with an offensive battery of four 12-inch (305 mm) guns and eight 8-inch (203 mm) guns, and she was capable of a top speed of 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph).
Georgia spent the majority of her career in the Atlantic Fleet. In 1907, she took part in the Jamestown Exposition and suffered an explosion in her aft 8-inch gun turret that killed or wounded 21 men. At the end of the year, she joined the Great White Fleet on its circumnavigation of the globe, which ended in early 1909. Peacetime training followed for the next five years, and in 1914 she cruised in Mexican waters to protect American interests during the Mexican Revolution. In early 1916, the ship was temporarily decommissioned.
When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the ship was tasked with training naval recruits for the expanding wartime fleet. Starting in September 1918, she was used as a convoy escort. Her only casualties during the war were due to disease, the result of poor conditions and severe overcrowding aboard the ship. Georgia was used to transport American soldiers back from France in 1918–19, and the following year she was transferred to the Pacific Fleet, where she served as the flagship of the 2nd Division, 1st Squadron. The Washington Naval Treaty, signed in 1922, cut short the ship's career, as it mandated severe draw-downs in naval strength. Georgia was accordingly sold for scrap in November 1923.
Georgia spent the majority of her career in the Atlantic Fleet. In 1907, she took part in the Jamestown Exposition and suffered an explosion in her aft 8-inch gun turret that killed or wounded 21 men. At the end of the year, she joined the Great White Fleet on its circumnavigation of the globe, which ended in early 1909. Peacetime training followed for the next five years, and in 1914 she cruised in Mexican waters to protect American interests during the Mexican Revolution. In early 1916, the ship was temporarily decommissioned.
When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the ship was tasked with training naval recruits for the expanding wartime fleet. Starting in September 1918, she was used as a convoy escort. Her only casualties during the war were due to disease, the result of poor conditions and severe overcrowding aboard the ship. Georgia was used to transport American soldiers back from France in 1918–19, and the following year she was transferred to the Pacific Fleet, where she served as the flagship of the 2nd Division, 1st Squadron. The Washington Naval Treaty, signed in 1922, cut short the ship's career, as it mandated severe draw-downs in naval strength. Georgia was accordingly sold for scrap in November 1923.
USS Galveston (C-17/PG-31/CL-19)
USS Galveston (C-17/PG-31/CL-19) was a Denver-class protected cruiser in the United States Navy during World War I. She was the first Navy ship named for the city of Galveston, Texas.
Galveston was laid down 19 January 1901 by William R. Trigg Company, Richmond, Virginia; launched 23 July 1903; sponsored by Miss Ella Sealey; and commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, 15 February 1905, Commander William Gifford Cutler in command.
1905–1918Galveston departed Norfolk on 10 April 1905 for Galveston, Texas, where on 19 April she was presented a silver service by citizens of her namesake city. Returning to the East Coast 3 May, she departed New York 18 June for Cherbourg, France, where she arrived 30 June and took part in the ceremonies commemorating the return of the remains of John Paul Jones to the U.S. Naval Academy, reaching Annapolis on 22 July.
She next joined Dolphin and Mayflower as one of the host ships for the Russo-Japanese Peace Conference (4–8 August) serving at Oyster Bay, New York; Newport, Rhode Island, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. From 13 August to 11 September 1905 the cruiser had special duty with Minister Plenipotentiary Hollander's State Department cruise from Norfolk to the West Indies ports of Santo Domingo and Port-au-Prince, followed by preparations for foreign service at Norfolk and New York.
Galveston departed Tompkinsville, New York, on 28 December 1905 for service in the Mediterranean with the European Squadron until 28 March 1906 when she set course from Port Said to join the fleet at Cavite in the Philippines for service on the Asiatic Station. She was a part of the fleet reception for Secretary of War William H. Taft at Manila on 13 October 1906 and served in his honor escort to Vladivostok, Siberia, the next month.
Galveston spent the following years in cruises among ports of the Philippines, China and Japan. She arrived in San Francisco, California, from the Philippines on 17 February 1910; was decommissioned in the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 21 February; and recommissioned there on 29 June 1912 for service that included a training cruise to Alaska. She left the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 19 September 1913, touching San Francisco, Hawaii and Guam on her way to Cavite, where she joined the Asiatic Fleet on 2 November.
Galveston's tour on the Asiatic Station was largely taken up with convoy service for supply ships and troop transports shuttling Marines and other garrison forces and stores between the Philippines and ports of Japan and China for the protection of American lives, property, and interests with brief intervals of Yangtze River Patrol for the same purpose. She also made one convoy trip from the Philippines to British North Borneo and two trips to Guam in the Marianas. She arrived in San Diego from the Asiatic Station on 10 January 1918 and passed through the Panama Canal on the 23 January convoying the British liner acting as a troopship Athenic from Cristobal, in the Canal Zone, to Norfolk, and on to New York, arriving on 11 February 1918.
Galveston was laid down 19 January 1901 by William R. Trigg Company, Richmond, Virginia; launched 23 July 1903; sponsored by Miss Ella Sealey; and commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, 15 February 1905, Commander William Gifford Cutler in command.
1905–1918Galveston departed Norfolk on 10 April 1905 for Galveston, Texas, where on 19 April she was presented a silver service by citizens of her namesake city. Returning to the East Coast 3 May, she departed New York 18 June for Cherbourg, France, where she arrived 30 June and took part in the ceremonies commemorating the return of the remains of John Paul Jones to the U.S. Naval Academy, reaching Annapolis on 22 July.
She next joined Dolphin and Mayflower as one of the host ships for the Russo-Japanese Peace Conference (4–8 August) serving at Oyster Bay, New York; Newport, Rhode Island, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. From 13 August to 11 September 1905 the cruiser had special duty with Minister Plenipotentiary Hollander's State Department cruise from Norfolk to the West Indies ports of Santo Domingo and Port-au-Prince, followed by preparations for foreign service at Norfolk and New York.
Galveston departed Tompkinsville, New York, on 28 December 1905 for service in the Mediterranean with the European Squadron until 28 March 1906 when she set course from Port Said to join the fleet at Cavite in the Philippines for service on the Asiatic Station. She was a part of the fleet reception for Secretary of War William H. Taft at Manila on 13 October 1906 and served in his honor escort to Vladivostok, Siberia, the next month.
Galveston spent the following years in cruises among ports of the Philippines, China and Japan. She arrived in San Francisco, California, from the Philippines on 17 February 1910; was decommissioned in the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 21 February; and recommissioned there on 29 June 1912 for service that included a training cruise to Alaska. She left the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 19 September 1913, touching San Francisco, Hawaii and Guam on her way to Cavite, where she joined the Asiatic Fleet on 2 November.
Galveston's tour on the Asiatic Station was largely taken up with convoy service for supply ships and troop transports shuttling Marines and other garrison forces and stores between the Philippines and ports of Japan and China for the protection of American lives, property, and interests with brief intervals of Yangtze River Patrol for the same purpose. She also made one convoy trip from the Philippines to British North Borneo and two trips to Guam in the Marianas. She arrived in San Diego from the Asiatic Station on 10 January 1918 and passed through the Panama Canal on the 23 January convoying the British liner acting as a troopship Athenic from Cristobal, in the Canal Zone, to Norfolk, and on to New York, arriving on 11 February 1918.
USS Saratoga (ACR-2)
USS Saratoga (ACR-2)The cruiser spent the next five years in the Far East. Steaming to Bremerton, Washington on 6 February 1916, Saratoga went into reduced commission with the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
As the U.S. drew closer to participation in World War I, Saratoga commissioned in full on 23 April 1917, and joined the Pacific Patrol Force on 7 June. In September, Saratoga steamed to Mexico to counter enemy activity in the troubled country. At Ensenada, Saratoga intercepted and helped to capture a merchantman transporting 32 German agents and several Americans seeking to avoid the draft law.
In November, she transited the Panama Canal, joining the Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet at Hampton Roads. Here, she was renamed Rochester on 1 December 1917, to free the name "Saratoga" for the new battlecruiser Saratoga (CC-3) (eventually the aircraft carrier CV-3).
Laid down in September 1890 as the sole member of her class of Armored Cruisers at the William Cramp and Sons Shipyard in Philadelphia, the USS Rochester entered US Navy service in August 1893 as the USS New York (ACR-2) and was promptly dispatched for service with the South Atlantic Squadron.
As the U.S. drew closer to participation in World War I, Saratoga commissioned in full on 23 April 1917, and joined the Pacific Patrol Force on 7 June. In September, Saratoga steamed to Mexico to counter enemy activity in the troubled country. At Ensenada, Saratoga intercepted and helped to capture a merchantman transporting 32 German agents and several Americans seeking to avoid the draft law.
In November, she transited the Panama Canal, joining the Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet at Hampton Roads. Here, she was renamed Rochester on 1 December 1917, to free the name "Saratoga" for the new battlecruiser Saratoga (CC-3) (eventually the aircraft carrier CV-3).
Laid down in September 1890 as the sole member of her class of Armored Cruisers at the William Cramp and Sons Shipyard in Philadelphia, the USS Rochester entered US Navy service in August 1893 as the USS New York (ACR-2) and was promptly dispatched for service with the South Atlantic Squadron.
USS Rhode Island (BB-17)
USS Rhode Island (BB-17) was the last of five Virginia-class battleships built for the United States Navy, and was the second ship to carry her name. She was laid down in May 1902, launched in May 1904, and commissioned into the Atlantic Fleet in February 1906. The ship was armed with an offensive battery of four 12-inch (305 mm) guns and eight 8-inch (203 mm) guns, and she was capable of a top speed of 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph).
The ship's career primarily consisted of training with the other battleships of the Atlantic Fleet. Rhode Island took part in the cruise of the Great White Fleet in 1907–09, and thereafter largely remained in the Atlantic. In late 1913, she cruised the Caribbean coast of Mexico to protect American interests during the Mexican Revolution. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, Rhode Island was assigned to anti-submarine patrols off the east coast of the US. Starting in December 1918, after the end of the war, the ship was used to repatriate American soldiers. She carried over 5,000 men in the course of five trips. She was briefly transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1919 before being decommissioned in 1920 and sold for scrap in 1923 under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty.
The ship's career primarily consisted of training with the other battleships of the Atlantic Fleet. Rhode Island took part in the cruise of the Great White Fleet in 1907–09, and thereafter largely remained in the Atlantic. In late 1913, she cruised the Caribbean coast of Mexico to protect American interests during the Mexican Revolution. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, Rhode Island was assigned to anti-submarine patrols off the east coast of the US. Starting in December 1918, after the end of the war, the ship was used to repatriate American soldiers. She carried over 5,000 men in the course of five trips. She was briefly transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1919 before being decommissioned in 1920 and sold for scrap in 1923 under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty.
U.S.S. San Diego
The second USS California (ACR-6), also referred to as "Armored Cruiser No. 6", and later renamed San Diego, was a United States NavyPennsylvania-class armored cruiser.
She was launched on 28 April 1904 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, sponsored by Miss Florence Pardee, daughter of California
governor George C. Pardee, and commissioned on 1 August 1907, Captain V. L. Cottman in command.
Pre-World War I
Joining the 2nd Division, Pacific Fleet, California took part in the Naval Review at San Francisco in May 1908 for the Secretary of the Navy Victor H. Metcalf. Aside from a cruise to Hawaii and Samoa in the fall of 1909, the cruiser operated along the west coast, sharpening her readiness through training exercises and drills, until December 1911, when she sailed for Honolulu, and in March 1912 continued westward for duty on the Asiatic Station. After this service representing American power and prestige in the Far East, she returned home in August 1912, and was ordered to Corinto, Nicaragua, then embroiled in internal political disturbance. Here she protected American lives and property, then resumed her operations along the west coast; she cruised off California, and kept a watchful eye on Mexico, at that time also suffering political disturbance. During that time in Mexico, she was involved in an international incident in which two of her crew were shot and killed.
U.S.S. California was renamed San Diego on 1 September 1914, in order to free up her original name for use with the Tennessee-class battleship California. She served as flagship for Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, intermittently until a boiler explosion put her in Mare Island Navy Yard in reduced commission through the summer of 1915. The boiler explosion occurred in January 1915 and the actions of Ensign Robert Cary and Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad during the event earned them both the Medal of Honor. San Diego returned to duty as flagship through on 12 February 1917, when she went into reserve status until the opening of World War I.
World War I
Placed in full commission on 7 April, the cruiser operated as flagship for Commander, Patrol Force, Pacific Fleet, until 18 July, when she was ordered to the Atlantic Fleet. Reaching Hampton Roads, Va., 4 August, she joined Cruiser Division 2, and later broke the flag of Commander, Cruiser Force, Atlantic, which she flew until 19 September.
San Diego's essential mission was the escort of convoys through the first dangerous leg of their passages to Europe. Based in Tompkinsville, New York, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, she operated in the weather-torn, submarine-infested North Atlantic safely convoying all of her charges to the ocean escort.
She was launched on 28 April 1904 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, sponsored by Miss Florence Pardee, daughter of California
governor George C. Pardee, and commissioned on 1 August 1907, Captain V. L. Cottman in command.
Pre-World War I
Joining the 2nd Division, Pacific Fleet, California took part in the Naval Review at San Francisco in May 1908 for the Secretary of the Navy Victor H. Metcalf. Aside from a cruise to Hawaii and Samoa in the fall of 1909, the cruiser operated along the west coast, sharpening her readiness through training exercises and drills, until December 1911, when she sailed for Honolulu, and in March 1912 continued westward for duty on the Asiatic Station. After this service representing American power and prestige in the Far East, she returned home in August 1912, and was ordered to Corinto, Nicaragua, then embroiled in internal political disturbance. Here she protected American lives and property, then resumed her operations along the west coast; she cruised off California, and kept a watchful eye on Mexico, at that time also suffering political disturbance. During that time in Mexico, she was involved in an international incident in which two of her crew were shot and killed.
U.S.S. California was renamed San Diego on 1 September 1914, in order to free up her original name for use with the Tennessee-class battleship California. She served as flagship for Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, intermittently until a boiler explosion put her in Mare Island Navy Yard in reduced commission through the summer of 1915. The boiler explosion occurred in January 1915 and the actions of Ensign Robert Cary and Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad during the event earned them both the Medal of Honor. San Diego returned to duty as flagship through on 12 February 1917, when she went into reserve status until the opening of World War I.
World War I
Placed in full commission on 7 April, the cruiser operated as flagship for Commander, Patrol Force, Pacific Fleet, until 18 July, when she was ordered to the Atlantic Fleet. Reaching Hampton Roads, Va., 4 August, she joined Cruiser Division 2, and later broke the flag of Commander, Cruiser Force, Atlantic, which she flew until 19 September.
San Diego's essential mission was the escort of convoys through the first dangerous leg of their passages to Europe. Based in Tompkinsville, New York, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, she operated in the weather-torn, submarine-infested North Atlantic safely convoying all of her charges to the ocean escort.
USS AlBanY (CL-23)
The third USS Albany (later PG-36 and CL-23) was a United States Navy protected cruiser of the New Orleans class. She saw service in the Philippine–American War and World War I.In 1919, Albany was once more assigned to the Asiatic Fleet. At that time, the Russian Civil War was being fought between Bolshevik and non-Bolshevik (a diverse group made up of people whose only common ground was opposition to the Bolsheviks) factions. Various Allied powers sent military contingents to several Russian ports. The United States landed troops at Vladivostok in Siberia, possibly to check Japanese pretensions in that area and to secure that port as an exit for the Czech Legion then transiting the Trans-Siberian Railway. In 1919 and early 1920, Albany did several tours of duty at Vladivostok in support of American troops ashore. She also sent armed landing parties ashore on several occasions in further support of those troops and to evacuate sick and wounded men.
American troops were withdrawn in the spring of 1920, and Albany resumed normal peacetime duty with the Asiatic Fleet. That service included the usual summers in Chinese waters alternated with winters in the Philippines. Reclassified as a gunboat as PG-36 on 17 July 1920, Albany was again reclassified as a light cruiser as CL-23 on 8 August 1921.
American troops were withdrawn in the spring of 1920, and Albany resumed normal peacetime duty with the Asiatic Fleet. That service included the usual summers in Chinese waters alternated with winters in the Philippines. Reclassified as a gunboat as PG-36 on 17 July 1920, Albany was again reclassified as a light cruiser as CL-23 on 8 August 1921.
USS PittsBurgh (CA-4)
The second USS Pennsylvania (ACR-4/CA-4), also referred to as Armored Cruiser No. 4, and later renamed Pittsburgh, was a United States Navy armored cruiser, the lead ship of her class.
She was laid down on 7 August 1901 by William Cramp and Sons of Philadelphia, launched on 22 August 1903, sponsored by Miss Coral Quay, daughter of Senator Matthew S. Quay of Pennsylvania, and commissioned on 9 March 1905, Captain Thomas C. McLean in command.
Recommissioning, Pittsburgh patrolled the west coast of Mexico during the troubled times of insurrection that led to American involvement with the Veracruz landing in April 1914. Later she served as flagship for Admiral William B. Caperton—Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet—during South American patrols and visits during World War I. Cooperating with the British, she scouted German raiders and acted as a powerful deterrent against their penetration of the eastern Pacific.
Future Rear Admiral Ellis M. Zacharias served as a line officer aboard Pittsburgh during World War I. Future Governor of American Samoa George Landenberger commanded the vessel.
Inter-war period Returning to the east coast, Pittsburgh prepared for duty as flagship for Commander, US Naval Forces in the eastern Mediterranean, for which she sailed from Portsmouth, New Hampshire on 19 June 1919. Cruising the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, and Black Sea, she joined in the massive relief operations and other humanitarian concerns with which the Navy carried out its quasi-diplomatic functions in this troubled area. In June 1920, she sailed north to visit French and British ports and cruise the Baltic Sea on further relief assignments.
On 9 September 1920, she ran aground on rocks in the Baltic Sea off Libau. She was assisted by HMS Dauntless and Frederick; Frederick escorted her to Sheerness Royal Dockyard, Kent, England which she reached at 10:00 o'clock in the morning of 23 September. Before 12 October she had moved up river to Chatham Dockyard where she went into dry dock. On that date a team from Pittsburgh routed a team of British officers 21-8 at baseball. The following month, with Pittsburgh still in dry dock, a court martial absolved Captain Todd of blame for the grounding but the navigator and watch officer were held accountable. She returned to decommission at Philadelphia on 15 October 1921.
Recommissioned on 2 October 1922, Pittsburgh returned to European and Mediterranean waters as flagship of Naval Forces Europe, arriving in Gibraltar on 19 October. On 23 October, she hoisted the flag of Vice Admiral Long when Utah returned to the US. By 10 July 1923 Pittsburgh was in the harbor at Cherbourg, France, to disembark 3 officers and 60 enlisted men of her Marine Detachment. They were detailed to travel to the dedication of the Belleau Wood National Monument to the American Expeditionary Force. Belleau Wood was where the US Marine Corps made a famous stand during the Allied Campaign of 1918. Pittsburgh became flagship for two of the Commanders-in-Chief, US Naval Forces European Waters, Admiral Philip Andrews in 1924–1925 and Vice Admiral Roger Welles in 1925–1926.
She was laid down on 7 August 1901 by William Cramp and Sons of Philadelphia, launched on 22 August 1903, sponsored by Miss Coral Quay, daughter of Senator Matthew S. Quay of Pennsylvania, and commissioned on 9 March 1905, Captain Thomas C. McLean in command.
Recommissioning, Pittsburgh patrolled the west coast of Mexico during the troubled times of insurrection that led to American involvement with the Veracruz landing in April 1914. Later she served as flagship for Admiral William B. Caperton—Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet—during South American patrols and visits during World War I. Cooperating with the British, she scouted German raiders and acted as a powerful deterrent against their penetration of the eastern Pacific.
Future Rear Admiral Ellis M. Zacharias served as a line officer aboard Pittsburgh during World War I. Future Governor of American Samoa George Landenberger commanded the vessel.
Inter-war period Returning to the east coast, Pittsburgh prepared for duty as flagship for Commander, US Naval Forces in the eastern Mediterranean, for which she sailed from Portsmouth, New Hampshire on 19 June 1919. Cruising the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, and Black Sea, she joined in the massive relief operations and other humanitarian concerns with which the Navy carried out its quasi-diplomatic functions in this troubled area. In June 1920, she sailed north to visit French and British ports and cruise the Baltic Sea on further relief assignments.
On 9 September 1920, she ran aground on rocks in the Baltic Sea off Libau. She was assisted by HMS Dauntless and Frederick; Frederick escorted her to Sheerness Royal Dockyard, Kent, England which she reached at 10:00 o'clock in the morning of 23 September. Before 12 October she had moved up river to Chatham Dockyard where she went into dry dock. On that date a team from Pittsburgh routed a team of British officers 21-8 at baseball. The following month, with Pittsburgh still in dry dock, a court martial absolved Captain Todd of blame for the grounding but the navigator and watch officer were held accountable. She returned to decommission at Philadelphia on 15 October 1921.
Recommissioned on 2 October 1922, Pittsburgh returned to European and Mediterranean waters as flagship of Naval Forces Europe, arriving in Gibraltar on 19 October. On 23 October, she hoisted the flag of Vice Admiral Long when Utah returned to the US. By 10 July 1923 Pittsburgh was in the harbor at Cherbourg, France, to disembark 3 officers and 60 enlisted men of her Marine Detachment. They were detailed to travel to the dedication of the Belleau Wood National Monument to the American Expeditionary Force. Belleau Wood was where the US Marine Corps made a famous stand during the Allied Campaign of 1918. Pittsburgh became flagship for two of the Commanders-in-Chief, US Naval Forces European Waters, Admiral Philip Andrews in 1924–1925 and Vice Admiral Roger Welles in 1925–1926.
USS Denver (C-14/PG-28/CL-16)
USS Denver (C-14/PG-28/CL-16) was the lead ship of her class of protected cruisers in the United States Navy. She was the first Navy ship named for the city of Denver, the capital of Colorado.
Denver was launched on 21 June 1902 by Neafie and Levy Ship and Engine Building Company in Philadelphia, sponsored by Miss R. W. Wright, daughter of Robert R. Wright, the mayor of Denver; and commissioned on 17 May 1904, with Commander Joseph Ballard Murdock in command. She was reclassified PG-28 in 1920 and CL-16 on 8 August 1921.
World War I
Between 6 December 1916 and 30 March 1917 Denver surveyed the Gulf of Fonseca on the coast of Nicaragua, and on 10 April arrived at Key West, Florida, for patrol duty off the Bahamas and between Key West and Cuba.
Denver reported at New York on 22 July 1917 for duty escorting merchant convoys out of New York and Norfolk, Virginia, to a mid-ocean meeting point where destroyers took over the task of convoying men and troops to ports in England and France. Before the close of World War I, Denver made eight such voyages. Crewmember serving on Denver between 22 Aug 1917 and 3 Nov 1918 qualified for the World War I Victory Medal with Escort clasp.
Post-war
Following the Armistice, Denver was detached on 5 December 1918 to patrol the east coast of South America, returning to New York on 4 June 1919. Between 7 July 1919 and 27 September 1921, she voyaged from New York to San Francisco, serving in the Panama Canal Zone and on the coasts of Central America both outward and homeward bound.
In the summer of 1922, Denver carried Charles D. B. King, the President of Liberia, home to Monrovia from a visit in the United States, returning to Boston by way of the Canal Zone. On 9 October she returned to the Canal Zone for 8 years of service based at Cristóbal. She patrolled both coasts of Central America, protecting American interests, transporting various official parties, and paying courtesy calls, returning periodically to Boston for overhaul. Between 20 November and 18 December 1922, she carried relief supplies to earthquake and tsunami victims in Chile.
Denver was launched on 21 June 1902 by Neafie and Levy Ship and Engine Building Company in Philadelphia, sponsored by Miss R. W. Wright, daughter of Robert R. Wright, the mayor of Denver; and commissioned on 17 May 1904, with Commander Joseph Ballard Murdock in command. She was reclassified PG-28 in 1920 and CL-16 on 8 August 1921.
World War I
Between 6 December 1916 and 30 March 1917 Denver surveyed the Gulf of Fonseca on the coast of Nicaragua, and on 10 April arrived at Key West, Florida, for patrol duty off the Bahamas and between Key West and Cuba.
Denver reported at New York on 22 July 1917 for duty escorting merchant convoys out of New York and Norfolk, Virginia, to a mid-ocean meeting point where destroyers took over the task of convoying men and troops to ports in England and France. Before the close of World War I, Denver made eight such voyages. Crewmember serving on Denver between 22 Aug 1917 and 3 Nov 1918 qualified for the World War I Victory Medal with Escort clasp.
Post-war
Following the Armistice, Denver was detached on 5 December 1918 to patrol the east coast of South America, returning to New York on 4 June 1919. Between 7 July 1919 and 27 September 1921, she voyaged from New York to San Francisco, serving in the Panama Canal Zone and on the coasts of Central America both outward and homeward bound.
In the summer of 1922, Denver carried Charles D. B. King, the President of Liberia, home to Monrovia from a visit in the United States, returning to Boston by way of the Canal Zone. On 9 October she returned to the Canal Zone for 8 years of service based at Cristóbal. She patrolled both coasts of Central America, protecting American interests, transporting various official parties, and paying courtesy calls, returning periodically to Boston for overhaul. Between 20 November and 18 December 1922, she carried relief supplies to earthquake and tsunami victims in Chile.
U.S.S. Alert (AS-4)
The third USS Alert was an iron-hulled screw steamer gunboat in the United States Navy. The lead ship in her class, Alert was destined for a long naval career, serving from 1875 to 1922, a period of 47 years, including service as a submarine tender in World War I. Toward the end of her career she received the designation AS-4.
Alert was laid down in 1873 by John Roach & Sons at Chester, Pennsylvania in 1873. Launched on 18 September 1874, Alert was commissioned for the first time on 27 May 1875, Commander William T. Sampson in command.
Submarine tender, 1910-1922
Although returned to the Navy on 27 February 1910, Alert was not reactivated until almost two years later. On 25 January 1912, she was placed in commission, in reserve, Lieutenant Charles E. Smith in command, in connection with her fitting out for service as a submarine tender. She was placed in full commission on 1 July 1912, Lt. Charles E. Smith still in command.
Alert tended submarines for the Torpedo Flotilla, Pacific Fleet, until late in 1917. In executing her new duties, she made short voyages along the California coast in much the same manner as she had done while serving as an apprentice training vessel.
World War I and afterThe entry of the United States into World War I necessitated an increase of American naval strength in the Atlantic. Thus, in December 1917, the ship steamed south from San Diego, transited the Panama Canal, and proceeded to Bermuda where she took up duty as base and repair ship.
In April 1918, Alert returned to the west coast and resumed duties as a Pacific Fleet Torpedo Flotilla submarine tender based at San Pedro, California. That assignment occupied her for the remaining four years of her naval career. When the Navy adopted the alphanumeric system of hull designations on 17 July 1920, she was classified AS-4.
Final decommissionOn 9 March 1922, Alert was placed out of commission at the Mare Island Navy Yard. She was sold to A. Bercovich Company, Oakland, California, on 29 July.
Alert was laid down in 1873 by John Roach & Sons at Chester, Pennsylvania in 1873. Launched on 18 September 1874, Alert was commissioned for the first time on 27 May 1875, Commander William T. Sampson in command.
Submarine tender, 1910-1922
Although returned to the Navy on 27 February 1910, Alert was not reactivated until almost two years later. On 25 January 1912, she was placed in commission, in reserve, Lieutenant Charles E. Smith in command, in connection with her fitting out for service as a submarine tender. She was placed in full commission on 1 July 1912, Lt. Charles E. Smith still in command.
Alert tended submarines for the Torpedo Flotilla, Pacific Fleet, until late in 1917. In executing her new duties, she made short voyages along the California coast in much the same manner as she had done while serving as an apprentice training vessel.
World War I and afterThe entry of the United States into World War I necessitated an increase of American naval strength in the Atlantic. Thus, in December 1917, the ship steamed south from San Diego, transited the Panama Canal, and proceeded to Bermuda where she took up duty as base and repair ship.
In April 1918, Alert returned to the west coast and resumed duties as a Pacific Fleet Torpedo Flotilla submarine tender based at San Pedro, California. That assignment occupied her for the remaining four years of her naval career. When the Navy adopted the alphanumeric system of hull designations on 17 July 1920, she was classified AS-4.
Final decommissionOn 9 March 1922, Alert was placed out of commission at the Mare Island Navy Yard. She was sold to A. Bercovich Company, Oakland, California, on 29 July.
USS Ortolan (AM-45)
The first USS Ortolan was a Lapwing-class minesweeper in the United States Navy. She was later converted to a submarine rescue ship. She was named after the ortolan, a European bunting.
Ortolan was laid down 9 July 1918 by the Staten Island Shipbuilding Co., New York City, United States; launched 30 January 1919; sponsored by Miss Theresa M. Finn; and commissioned 17 September 1919, Lt. William A. James in command.
Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, Ortolan got underway for the west coast 10 November 1919. Following stops at east and U.S. Gulf coast ports, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, she arrived at San Diego, California, 13 June 1920. Nine days later she sailed north to Bremerton, Washington, where she remained, with a caretaker crew, until 23 March 1921.
Then returning to Southern California, she served as a tugboat for a year and on 3 May 1922 decommissioned at Mare Island, California. Recommissioned 11 July, she assumed the duties of tender at the Submarine Base, San Pedro, California. From 9 June to 25 August 1923 she conducted cold weather operations off Alaska in her first extended cruise as flagship, Commander, Composite Submarine Squadrons Pacific in company with USS Beaver and four S-class submarines. While in Anchorage, Alaska on 17 July 1923 the submarine USS S-38 was accidentally sunk alongside Ortolan during maintenance, but was quickly raised and there was no loss of life though the submarine's motors were damaged requiring tow by Ortolan.
During September she assisted in the salvage of the seven destroyers wrecked in the Honda Point Disaster, earlier in the month, then resumed tender operations out of San Pedro, California. Operating from there until 1927, she ranged the west coast of the Americas from Panama to Oregon — and once, January–April 1924, cruised in the Caribbean on fleet maneuvers.
In July 1927 she steamed west, accompanying Holland (AS-3) and two divisions of "S"-boats to Pearl Harbor. The following month she assisted in the search for competitors lost during the "Dole Race", the first flight linking the West Coast and Hawaii. In September she resumed her west coast tender activities and for another two years ranged the eastern Pacific as submarines conducted training exercises.
Ortolan was laid down 9 July 1918 by the Staten Island Shipbuilding Co., New York City, United States; launched 30 January 1919; sponsored by Miss Theresa M. Finn; and commissioned 17 September 1919, Lt. William A. James in command.
Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, Ortolan got underway for the west coast 10 November 1919. Following stops at east and U.S. Gulf coast ports, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, she arrived at San Diego, California, 13 June 1920. Nine days later she sailed north to Bremerton, Washington, where she remained, with a caretaker crew, until 23 March 1921.
Then returning to Southern California, she served as a tugboat for a year and on 3 May 1922 decommissioned at Mare Island, California. Recommissioned 11 July, she assumed the duties of tender at the Submarine Base, San Pedro, California. From 9 June to 25 August 1923 she conducted cold weather operations off Alaska in her first extended cruise as flagship, Commander, Composite Submarine Squadrons Pacific in company with USS Beaver and four S-class submarines. While in Anchorage, Alaska on 17 July 1923 the submarine USS S-38 was accidentally sunk alongside Ortolan during maintenance, but was quickly raised and there was no loss of life though the submarine's motors were damaged requiring tow by Ortolan.
During September she assisted in the salvage of the seven destroyers wrecked in the Honda Point Disaster, earlier in the month, then resumed tender operations out of San Pedro, California. Operating from there until 1927, she ranged the west coast of the Americas from Panama to Oregon — and once, January–April 1924, cruised in the Caribbean on fleet maneuvers.
In July 1927 she steamed west, accompanying Holland (AS-3) and two divisions of "S"-boats to Pearl Harbor. The following month she assisted in the search for competitors lost during the "Dole Race", the first flight linking the West Coast and Hawaii. In September she resumed her west coast tender activities and for another two years ranged the eastern Pacific as submarines conducted training exercises.
USS Chaumont AP-5
USS Chaumont, one of twelve 13,400-ton (displacement) Hog Island Type B (Design 1024) transports laid down in November 1918 as SS Shope for the U.S. Shipping Board, launched in March 1920 at Hog Island, Pennsylvania by the American International Shipbuilding Corporation. In November 1920 the ship was delivered to the Shipping Board and transferred to the War Department on 15 December 1920 with assignment to the U.S. Army Transport Service. Redundant to Army needs, she was transferred “on loan” to the Navy on 3 November 1921 and commissioned on the 22nd, Lieutenant Commander G. H. Emmerson in temporary command. On 1 December 1921, Commander C.L. Arnold assumed command. Permanent transfer to the Navy by Executive order was effective 6 August 1924.
Assigned to transport duty, Chaumont sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean throughout the 1920s and 1930s. From her home port at San Francisco, she commenced a career of trans-Pacific troop service that initially consisted of voyages between California and Manila via Honolulu. Two or three voyages in 1925-26 took her to Shanghai instead of Manila, and she continued to stop at Shanghai at least once during most subsequent years. One of her most important contributions, when in the Pacific, was aiding in the collection of meteorological information used by the Weather Map Service of the Asiatic Fleet. She also carried military supplies, Marine expeditionary forces, sailors and their dependents, and occasionally members of congressional committees on inspection tours, calling at ports from Shanghai to Bermuda.
In August 1926 she sailed from San Francisco through the Panama Canal to Annapolis. The return trip took her to Norfolk, Virginia, where she was dry docked for routine maintenance, and then to Guantanamo Bay. Such voyages between the East and West Coasts also became near-annual events.
Assigned to transport duty, Chaumont sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean throughout the 1920s and 1930s. From her home port at San Francisco, she commenced a career of trans-Pacific troop service that initially consisted of voyages between California and Manila via Honolulu. Two or three voyages in 1925-26 took her to Shanghai instead of Manila, and she continued to stop at Shanghai at least once during most subsequent years. One of her most important contributions, when in the Pacific, was aiding in the collection of meteorological information used by the Weather Map Service of the Asiatic Fleet. She also carried military supplies, Marine expeditionary forces, sailors and their dependents, and occasionally members of congressional committees on inspection tours, calling at ports from Shanghai to Bermuda.
In August 1926 she sailed from San Francisco through the Panama Canal to Annapolis. The return trip took her to Norfolk, Virginia, where she was dry docked for routine maintenance, and then to Guantanamo Bay. Such voyages between the East and West Coasts also became near-annual events.
USS Henderson (AP-1)
The first USS Henderson (AP-1) was a transport in the United States Navy during World War I and World War II. In 1943, she was converted to a hospital ship and commissioned as USS Bountiful (AH-9).
Named for Marine Colonel Archibald Henderson, she was launched by Philadelphia Navy Yard on 17 June 1916; sponsored by Miss Genevieve W. Taylor, great-granddaughter of General Henderson; and commissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 24 May 1917, Lt. C. W. Steel in command.
World War I, 1917–1918Henderson arrived New York on 12 June 1917 and sailed two days later with Rear Admiral Albert Gleaves' Cruiser and Transport Force, which carried units of the American Expeditionary Force to France. In her holds she had space for 1,500 men and 24 mules. Reaching Saint-Nazaire on 27 June she disembarked troops and returned to Philadelphia on 17 July 1917. Subsequently, Henderson made eight more voyages to France with troops and supplies for the allies in the bitter European fighting. She established two large base hospitals in France during 1917. In constant danger from submarines, the transport was steaming near Army transport Antilles on 17 October 1917 when the latter was torpedoed. Henderson escaped attack by wrapping herself in an envelope of smoke. But torpedoes were not her only danger. She sailed for her seventh voyage on 30 June 1918 to France. A serious fire broke out in a cargo hold on 2 July 1918. Working throughout the night, and with Henderson listing as much as 15 degrees, and heavily rolling at times, making landing possible on only one side, the destroyers Mayrant (DD-31) and Paul Jones (DD-10) transferred her 1,600 troop passengers and baggage to the transport Von Steuben (Id. No. 3017) without loss of life, completing the transfer by 6:00 am on 3 July. Von Steuben continued on to Brest, France carrying 3,500 troops and their equipment. Determined firefighting crews soon brought the flames under control and Henderson returned to the U.S. with destroyers escorting. She sailed again from Philadelphia Tuesday 13 August 1918 and arrived at Brest, France Monday 25 August 1918.
Named for Marine Colonel Archibald Henderson, she was launched by Philadelphia Navy Yard on 17 June 1916; sponsored by Miss Genevieve W. Taylor, great-granddaughter of General Henderson; and commissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 24 May 1917, Lt. C. W. Steel in command.
World War I, 1917–1918Henderson arrived New York on 12 June 1917 and sailed two days later with Rear Admiral Albert Gleaves' Cruiser and Transport Force, which carried units of the American Expeditionary Force to France. In her holds she had space for 1,500 men and 24 mules. Reaching Saint-Nazaire on 27 June she disembarked troops and returned to Philadelphia on 17 July 1917. Subsequently, Henderson made eight more voyages to France with troops and supplies for the allies in the bitter European fighting. She established two large base hospitals in France during 1917. In constant danger from submarines, the transport was steaming near Army transport Antilles on 17 October 1917 when the latter was torpedoed. Henderson escaped attack by wrapping herself in an envelope of smoke. But torpedoes were not her only danger. She sailed for her seventh voyage on 30 June 1918 to France. A serious fire broke out in a cargo hold on 2 July 1918. Working throughout the night, and with Henderson listing as much as 15 degrees, and heavily rolling at times, making landing possible on only one side, the destroyers Mayrant (DD-31) and Paul Jones (DD-10) transferred her 1,600 troop passengers and baggage to the transport Von Steuben (Id. No. 3017) without loss of life, completing the transfer by 6:00 am on 3 July. Von Steuben continued on to Brest, France carrying 3,500 troops and their equipment. Determined firefighting crews soon brought the flames under control and Henderson returned to the U.S. with destroyers escorting. She sailed again from Philadelphia Tuesday 13 August 1918 and arrived at Brest, France Monday 25 August 1918.
